One of the most common restorative treatments, dental crowns are used to cover teeth that are decayed or damaged. But what type of crown is best for your situation? There are many factors to consider when answering this question. For example, which tooth requires treatment? What area of the mouth will be affected? Are your primary goals cosmetic or functional? Here, Dr. Julie Glud explores the many different types of dental crowns and discusses the pros and cons of each.
Resin Crowns
These restorations are made from tooth-colored composite resin, so they blend in with your smile. Though they are one of the most affordable options, they are really only intended for temporary use. If you wear a resin crown for too long, they are prone to chipping and breaking. However, if you just need a temporary crown while you wait for your final restoration, a resin crown may be right for you.
Metal Crowns
Metal crowns – and gold crowns in particular – have been around for a long time. They are still widely used because of their undeniable strength and resiliency. In addition to gold, common materials include platinum and alloy metals. While they are some of the most durable crowns available, they do not blend in with your smile. As a result, many patients would rather have an aesthetic option that matches the neighboring teeth. Still metal crowns are an excellent option if you need to protect a back tooth that doesn’t show when you smile.
Porcelain Crowns
If you need to repair a front tooth, or any tooth that’s visible when you smile, porcelain or ceramic dental crowns are best. These restorations are the most natural-looking option because they can be perfectly matched to your natural tooth enamel. Additionally, porcelain crowns are a wonderful alternative for patients who have metal allergies.
Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal Crowns
Sometimes we need the best of both worlds. Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns offer the strength of metal and the beauty of ceramic. This type of dental crown has a metal substructure and a tooth-colored ceramic coating. The only downside is that the metal base may start to show through after years of wear and tear. However, with proper care and maintenance, these crowns can last a long time.
Zirconia Crowns
There are a number of new materials out there today. Zirconia is an artificial stone made from metal zirconium. They are one of the most durable crown options available in dentistry and are often used on back teeth where chewing pressure is the strongest. Dental crowns made from zirconium are also resistant to bacteria and chemicals. While other metal crowns may break down over time from exposure to acids in the mouth, zirconia crowns will remain strong.
eMax Crowns
Made from lithium disilicate, eMax crowns are durable and aesthetic. This material is an excellent choice for fabricating dental crowns because it mimics the translucency of natural teeth. Oftentimes, dentists will place zirconia crowns near the back of the mouth and eMax crowns near the front.
Schedule an appointment today.
Do you need to restore one or more teeth with dental crowns? Schedule an appointment with Dr. Julie Glud to determine which type of crown is best for your needs. You can contact our Lombard, IL, practice online anytime or call us at (630) 629-5700.
